The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up training camp on Sunday afternoon, concluding a week of practice at UC Irvine. The week flew by as the Rams spent eight days on the field, practicing against both themselves and the Chargers twice.
There’s still plenty of work left to be done before the season begins, including four preseason games, two joint practices in Napa with the Raiders and several cuts between now and September.
Here are the winners and losers coming out of camp.
Winner: Sebastian Joseph-Day
It’s seemed like Greg Gaines was in line to replace Ndamukong Suh all offseason at nose tackle, but Joseph-Day has put that idea on hold. There may not be a young player who received better reviews from training camp than Joseph-Day, whether it’s Sean McVay complimenting his game or Wade Phillips saying he’s seized the opportunity at nose tackle.
He hasn’t been named the starter yet and it may take the entire preseason for that decision to be made, but Joseph-Day has positioned himself well coming out of camp. It wouldn’t be the least bit surprising to see him starting in Week 1.
Loser: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
Okoronkwo has once again been limited by injury, the second straight year of him being “banged up,” as McVay called it. That’s a bad development for the second-year pass rusher, who essentially missed his entire rookie year after breaking his foot in the spring. The Rams haven’t seen much of Okoronkwo since he was drafted in the fifth round, and this was supposed to be his time to prove himself.
That hasn’t happened yet and it’s unclear when (or if) it will. Okoronkwo needs to have a strong preseason in order to carve out a role on defense. If not, he’ll certainly be on the roster bubble heading into the regular season.
Winner: Dante Fowler Jr.
Fowler looked good in camp and is in no danger of losing his starting job at outside linebacker. He’ll be a full-time player with Clay Matthews and others rotating on the other side. Todd Gurley went as far as to say Fowler has been “getting to the ball as fast as Aaron Donald,” predicting a breakout season from the former Jaguars pass rusher.
The Rams need a consistent presence at outside linebacker this season and it seems like Fowler will be that guy. If he puts up 10-plus sacks to help out Donald, the Rams defense will be a nightmare to face. That’s how pivotal his role is in Los Angeles.
Loser: Marqui Christian
Christian was put on notice when the Rams drafted Taylor Rapp in Round 2, and it hasn’t gotten any better for him. Rapp was getting first-team reps and consistently worked with the second-team, suggesting he’s the No. 3 safety behind Eric Weddle and John Johnson III. McVay mentioned Rapp as a rookie who’s stood out so far.
Christian should be in position to make the team, but when it comes to that third safety spot, it appears Rapp is the favorite.
Winners: Backup WRs
Josh Reynolds has been “outstanding” all offseason, JoJo Natson is apparently untouchable and Mike Thomas really stood out in training camp. Needless to say, the Rams have a lot of talent at wide receiver beyond the trio of Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks. This is a good problem to have, but it makes roster cuts more difficult come September.
Reynolds is a lock to make the team, and Natson has a good chance to remain the primary return man, while Thomas faces an uphill battle. If the Rams keep six receivers, which is certainly possible, it’s a great group. But if they feel thin at other positions, Thomas could get cut.
Regardless, all three of these players are doing everything in their power to stand out.
Winners: Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett
Neither player has pulled significantly ahead of the other in the tight end competition, but they’ve both performed well in practice. Higbee and Everett caught touchdown passes against the Chargers, have made big plays as receivers and coaches are taking notice. McVay has been impressed by their play and is confident in both of them as starters.
A dynamic receiving tight end in this offense will be a game-changer, which gives Everett a great chance to emerge as the top choice. He’s been impressive thus far.
